At the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics, the spotlight will be on Canadian mogul skier Mikaël Kingsbury. Known for his exceptional skills, Kingsbury is often compared to a Formula 1 car. His performance reflects remarkable precision and adaptability.
Mikaël Kingsbury: An F1 Like Performance
Kingsbury, now 33, is set to compete in his fourth Olympic Games. He has previously won a gold medal in 2018, alongside silver medals in 2014 and 2022. His coach, Michel Hamelin, who also trained the legendary Alexandre Bilodeau, draws contrasting comparisons between the two athletes. While Bilodeau was known for his brute force, Kingsbury embodies finesse and technical excellence.
Unique Training Journey
Hamelin recalls first meeting Kingsbury at a youth skiing camp in Whistler, British Columbia. The young skier distinguished himself with his focus and precision. Today, after winning over 100 World Cup events, Kingsbury remains devoted to his sport, donning his lucky shirt that reads, “It’s good to be the king.” This shirt has been his good luck charm since his first podium finish in 2010.
- August 2024: Kingsbury’s son, Henrik, was born and is now part of his skiing journey.
- 2025: Kingsbury had 100 World Cup wins, including 37 in parallel mogul events.
- 2014: Kingsbury won his first Olympic medal, followed by a gold in 2018.
- 2022: He secured another silver medal, further establishing his legacy.
Embracing the Challenges
Jennifer Heil, the Canadian mission chief for Milan-Cortina and a double Olympic medalist herself, praises Kingsbury’s mental fortitude. Despite facing injuries, his spirit remains unshaken. He approaches challenges with a strong mental and emotional framework, demonstrating passion and resilience.
As Kingsbury prepares for the Olympics, he emphasizes the importance of enjoying skiing. He believes that when he focuses on having fun, his performance improves. This philosophy has shaped his approach as a professional skier and as a father.
Training and Competition Insights
The Canadian team recently held a training camp in Val-Saint-Côme, Quebec, ahead of the World Cup competition. This setting allowed Kingsbury to familiarize himself with a course similar to the one he will face in Milan-Cortina. Hamelin mentioned that the Olympic mogul tracks are designed with challenging features, which demand not just skill but also strategy from the athletes.
Looking Ahead
Kingsbury’s journey has been marked by a blend of hard work, passion, and strategic insight. As the only veteran on his team, he offers guidance to younger participants, advising them to trust their skills. The upcoming Olympics will not only showcase new parallel mogul events but will also be an opportunity for Kingsbury to solidify his legacy in the sport.
With the world watching, Mikaël Kingsbury is poised to deliver a performance reminiscent of a Formula 1 car: fast, adaptable, and masterfully executed.
